Death of Michel Maalouli, former deputy speaker of Parliament

BEIRUT — A prominent political figure during Lebanon's Civil War (1975–1990) and the early years of the Second Republic established under the Taif Agreement, attorney Michel Maalouli (1931–2026) has died. He served as deputy speaker of Parliament for five consecutive terms, from 1972 to 1992, under speakers Kamel al-Assaad and Hussein Husseini.

Over two decades in the post, Maalouli oversaw five presidential elections and witnessed some of the country's most defining moments, including the outbreak of the Civil War and the adoption of the Taif Agreement in Saudi Arabia in 1989.

After leaving public office, Maalouli — known for his independence and candor — remained active in public debate. He regularly criticized successive governments for failing to fully implement the Taif Agreement and consistently advocated for stronger state institutions and national sovereignty.

Remembered as a modest and discreet public servant, he dies at a time when many of the issues he championed, particularly the restoration of state sovereignty and the strengthening of public institutions, have once again become central to Lebanon's political debate.

His son, Walid Maalouli, ran in the 2018 parliamentary elections in the West Bekaa district.

His funeral will be held on Aug. 6 at Saint George Orthodox Cathedral in downtown Beirut, before he is laid to rest in his hometown of Rashaya al-Wadi, in West Bekaa.